Montag est un pompier du futur d'un genre particulier : il brûle les livres. Jusqu'au jour où il se met à en lire, refuse le bonheur obligatoire et rêve d'un monde perdu où la littérature et l'imaginaire ne seraient pas bannis. Devenant du coup un dangereux criminel...
"La mer Unique ! Il n'y avait qu'un continent sur Vénus. Cette terre faisait cinq mille kilomètres de long sur presque mille six cents kilomètres de large, et autour de cette île s'étendait la mer Unique qui couvrait toute la planète pluvieuse. La mer Unique qui venait clapoter paresseusement sur la rive pâle..."
Un voyage spatial et temporel en cinq nouvelles, par l'auteur des Chroniques martiennes et de Fahrenheit 451.
Pour Halloween, Tom Skelton se déguise en squelette et parcourt la ville avec ses copains, en quête de friandises. Mais cette année, le jeune Joe Pipkin ne les accompagne pas. Où peut-il bien être ? Un homme inquiétant finit par leur ouvrir sa porte et va les entraîner dans un bien curieux voyage, de l'Égypte ancienne en Irlande, en passant par Paris et le Mexique, à la découverte des mystères de cette fête des morts. Ainsi, peut-être Tom et ses amis retrouveront-ils leur copain Joe et perceront-ils les secrets de l'Arbre d'Halloween ?
On retrouve dans L'Arbre d'Halloween, conte fantastique et poétique, tout l'univers de Ray Bradbury : l'enfance, les voyages, l'automne, la mort... On retrouve également le talent qui en a fait l'un des plus grands auteurs du XXe siècle.
451 degrés Fahrenheit représentent la température à laquelle un livre
s'enflamme et se consume. Dans cette société future où la lecture,
source de questionnement et de réflexion, est considérée comme un
acte antisocial, un corps spécial de pompiers est chargé de brûler
tous les livres dont la détention est interdite pour le bien
collectif. Guy Montag, le pompier pyromane, se met pourtant à rêver
d'un monde différent, qui ne bannirait pas la littérature et
l'imaginaire au profit d'un bonheur immédiatement consommable. Il
devient dès lors un dangereux criminel, impitoyablement pourchassé
par une société qui désavoue son passé. Bradbury y critique les
méfaits de l'émergence d'une culture de masse. Comme le décrit le
pompier Beatty dans le roman, l'émergence d'une telle société n'a été
rendue possible que par l'émergence d'une culture de masse, facilitée
par la déliquescence du système scolaire : « Le cinéma et la radio,
les magazines, les livres sont nivelés par le bas en une vaste soupe
». Les gens se sont désintéressés de la culture et ont préféré faire
du sport ou regarder la télévision.
2030, les premières fusées quittent la Terre pour un monde nouveau. La colonisation de Mars vient de débuter. Mais, sur la planète rouge, vit déjà un peuple d'une infinie sagesse. Cette antique civilisation devra-t-elle disparaître pour qu'une nouvelle puisse s'épanouir ?
It's the week before Hallowe'en, and Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois. The siren song of the calliope entices all with promises of youth regained and dreams fulfilled . . .
And as two boys trembling on the brink of manhood set out to explore the mysteries of the dark carnival's smoke, mazes and mirrors, they will also discover the true price of innermost wishes . . .
This collection highlights the imaginative brilliance of Ray Bradbury, one of the most influential voices in science fiction. Spanning over 15 stories, the anthology offers a window into Bradbury's unique ability to blend futuristic ideas with profound human emotions. Featured stories like The Monster Maker, Morgue Ship, The Irritated People, Pillar of Fire, Zero Hour, A Little Journey, and Asleep in Armageddon showcase the author's wide-ranging themes, from space exploration and dystopian futures to the darker sides of human nature.
Each tale brims with Bradbury's signature poetic prose, exploring humanity's fears, dreams, and the unknowns of the universe. The collection's vivid illustrations bring these timeless stories to life, capturing the essence of Bradbury's haunting, yet often hopeful, vision of the future. Whether encountering sinister forces in outer space or reflecting on the fragility of life, this anthology serves as a testament to Bradbury's enduring legacy in speculative fiction.
Perfect for both seasoned fans and newcomers, this collection invites readers to explore the depths of Bradbury's imagination and the impact of his work on science fiction as a whole.
Contents:
THE MONSTER MAKER
MORGUE SHIP
LAZARUS COME FORTH
DEFENSE MECH
ZERO HOUR
ROCKET SUMMER
JONAH OF THE JOVE-RUN
ASLEEP IN ARMAGEDDON
A LITTLE JOURNEY
THE CREATURES THAT TIME FORGOT
LORELEI OF THE RED MIST
THE IRRITATED PEOPLE
REFERENT
PILLAR OF FIRE
THE SQUARE PEGS
In Irritated People, Ray Bradbury offers a sharp and insightful exploration of human nature, capturing the frustrations, anxieties, and tensions that arise in everyday life. Set in a near-future world that feels both familiar and subtly altered, the story delves into the lives of ordinary individuals who, pushed to their limits by modern pressures, find themselves unraveling in unexpected ways.
Through his characteristic blend of poetic prose and keen social observation, Bradbury portrays how minor irritations can escalate into significant conflicts, reflecting larger societal issues. The story's dark humor and poignant moments reveal the fragility of human emotions and the consequences of unchecked frustration in a world where technology and fast-paced living amplify stress.
Irritated People is a thought-provoking and eerily relevant tale, showcasing Bradbury's ability to turn the mundane into a mirror for deeper truths about human behavior and society. Perfect for readers who appreciate speculative fiction with emotional and psychological depth, this story is a compelling examination of the irritations that simmer beneath the surface of modern life.
In Pillars of Fire, Ray Bradbury presents a gripping tale that intertwines themes of faith, doubt, and the quest for truth. Set against a backdrop of political and social upheaval, the story follows a group of individuals grappling with the impact of a devastating event that challenges their beliefs and perceptions of reality.
Bradbury's characteristic lyrical prose immerses readers in a world where the boundaries between the sacred and the profane blur. As the characters navigate their personal crises and confront the pillars of their own convictions, they are forced to reevaluate what they hold dear. The narrative deftly explores the duality of human nature-the capacity for both destruction and creation-and the ways in which individuals seek meaning in times of chaos.
With its evocative imagery and profound philosophical questions, Pillars of Fire is a compelling exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. This thought-provoking story resonates with readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs and the fires that shape their lives. A must-read for fans of Bradbury's thought-provoking speculative fiction, Pillars of Fire stands as a testament to his ability to weave powerful narratives that challenge and inspire.
In Square Pegs, Ray Bradbury explores the lives of individuals who don't quite fit into society's conventional molds. Set in a world where conformity is prized above all, the story centers on those who are seen as "square pegs" in a world of round holes-people who dare to think differently, dream wildly, and challenge the status quo.
With his signature lyrical prose, Bradbury crafts a tale that celebrates the uniqueness of the human spirit while examining the pressures to conform. The characters, vividly drawn with their quirks and eccentricities, struggle to maintain their individuality in a society that demands uniformity. As they navigate a world that seems determined to mold them into something they're not, Square Pegs becomes a poignant reflection on creativity, freedom, and the courage it takes to remain true to oneself.
In Referent, Ray Bradbury crafts a thought-provoking and imaginative short story that delves into the complexities of human memory, identity, and the connections we form with the world around us. Set in a future where technology and human consciousness intertwine in new and unsettling ways, the story explores the idea of "referents"-objects or experiences that serve as anchors for personal memory and identity.
Through Bradbury's poetic and vivid prose, Referent touches on themes of nostalgia, loss, and the human need to hold onto the past. As the characters navigate a landscape where memories can be manipulated, Bradbury poses intriguing questions about what makes us who we are and how technology might reshape that understanding.
True to Bradbury's style, Referent is a blend of speculative fiction, emotional depth, and philosophical inquiry, making it a compelling read for fans of his work and those who appreciate richly layered, contemplative stories.
In "The Creatures Time Forgot," Ray Bradbury weaves a poignant and imaginative tale that explores the themes of nostalgia, memory, and the inexorable passage of time. The story follows the protagonist, who embarks on a journey back to a forgotten world, where ancient creatures and lost wonders linger in the recesses of his mind.
As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist reflects on his childhood and the vivid, fantastical memories that shaped his perception of reality. Through a series of rich and evocative descriptions, Bradbury captures the essence of a bygone era, invoking a sense of longing for the innocence and wonder of youth. The creatures of the past symbolize not only the innocence lost but also the enduring power of imagination and the impact of memories that remain etched in our hearts.
Bradbury's lyrical prose draws readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, and where the creatures of our past serve as reminders of the beauty and fragility of life. The story invites readers to confront their own memories and consider how they shape our present and future.
"The Creatures Time Forgot" is a testament to Bradbury's mastery of storytelling, revealing his ability to evoke deep emotions and provoke thoughtful reflections on the nature of existence. This tale resonates with anyone who has ever looked back at their past with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, making it a memorable and impactful reading experience.
"Lorelei of the Red Mist" is a thrilling science fiction novella co-written by Ray Bradbury and Leigh Brackett. The story follows the adventures of Hugh Starke, a notorious space outlaw, who finds himself in an unusual predicament after his death. His mind is transferred into a new, powerful body by a mysterious woman named Rann, who rules a deadly world covered in red mist. With his new form, Starke is thrown into a chaotic struggle for power, involving alien creatures, treachery, and strange forces.
Bradbury's vivid imagination, combined with Brackett's action-packed storytelling, makes the novella an engaging read. The story delves into themes of identity, transformation, and survival in a fantastical alien environment. Starke's internal battle between his old self and his new body adds complexity to the plot, making it more than just a typical space opera. "Lorelei of the Red Mist" is a testament to Bradbury's early work and collaborative efforts, blending poetic descriptions with high-paced adventure. It offers a fascinating look at a dangerous world where survival is the key, and where betrayal can come from even the most unexpected places.
Ce n'est pas un homme comme les autres : son corps est recouvert de tatouages, une vingtaine d'images fabuleuses qui racontent autant d'histoires. Et cet homme n'a qu'une envie, se venger de la femme qui l'a affublé de cet étrange signe particulier. Une terrible malédiction qui attend une ultime victime... puisqu'il reste une place vacante dans le dos de l'homme illustré.
Vingt récits liés, à fleur de peau, qui n'ont pas fini de nous surprendre.
